Security Advice for the Festive Period

Over the Christmas period it is likely that many businesses will be unattended for longer than usual, this creates obvious opportunities for offenders.

Here's some crime reduction advice in an effort to reduce the number of crimes affecting the business community over the Christmas period:

  • Wherever possible, remove desirable items such as laptops and mobiles
  • Cash should never be left on unattended premises, particularly for extended closures such as Christmas/New Year.
  • Where possible consider leaving till drawers open or remove them so a potential thief can see there is nothing to steal
  • If your business has pool vehicles, ensure that keys are not left in unattended premises
  • Ensure that company credit cards and cheque books are in a locked safe or removed from the company premises
  • All windows, doors and safes should all be correctly secured and alarm systems should be set
  • If steps are taken to remove items such as money and tools etc. It is always useful to advertise the fact that you have done so, in an attempt to deter offenders
  • Do not leave any rubbish outside your premises that could be used to start a fire.

Desirable Stocks
At this time of year, thefts of meat, alcohol, tobacco and items such as batteries, CDs and DVDs increase significantly. Therefore, wholesale stores of these types of products are regularly targeted at this time of year. These products are all desirable and can be easily sold on.

Businesses should consider the following points where possible:

  • Store layout and displays should be carefully considered. For example, items of high value ideally should not be cited at the front of the store nearest to the exit
  • Ensure shelves are not stacked to high so that store visibility is good
  • When merchandising expensive electrical items remove the item from the box or disable the item in some way
  • Till lifts should be completed regularly to minimise any potential losses
  • Remain vigilant when using night safes - wherever possible do not bank cash alone
  • When banking takings consider splitting the cash between two people & using secure cases or cash degradation products
  • Advertise what measures you have put in place, for example, 'No more than £50 carried in tills' or 'Items of value have been rendered inoperable'
  • Businesses are much busier on the run up to Christmas and in sale season; this provides more opportunities for offenders. Ensure your staff are vigilant and have a good security awareness